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(NORFOLK, Va.) – Capt. Brian T. Smith, son-in-law to Tom and Faye Thielke of Crandon and husband of Tami Lee Thielke Smith, relieved Capt. Clayton B. Kyker as commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) FOUR and commander, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG), during a change of command ceremony aboard the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) in port Naval Station Norfolk, June 6.

Kyker, who is departing to support the Operations/Plans Directorate of Staff for the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV N35), passed the reigns to Smith in the ship’s hanger bay.

“It was an honor and privilege to serve with this fine group of ships and Sailors,” said Kyker. “I wish you all best of luck and God speed in your future endeavors.”

Kyker concluded his final remarks to his staff and strike group assuring them that they will be in good hands with Smith.

Smith comes to PHIBRON FOUR after completing his tour as Deputy Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group SEVEN.

“I am deeply honored to have been chosen to lead this exceptional group of professionals,” said Smith. “The Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group is among the best in the fleet, and I am eager to serve with my fellow Sailors and Marines through a successful, safe deployment as we continue to do what we do best: expeditionary naval warfare.”

A native of Mount Holly, N.C., Smith began his military career serving as an enlisted Marine. He earned a Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in History, and received his commission 1984.

Upon commissioning, he served tours as a direct support officer at Naval Security Group Activity Philippines, supply officer and engineer aboard USS Darter (SS 576), and damage control assistant aboard USS Curts (FFG 38). He “fleeted-up” as Curts’ operations officer during Operation Desert Storm.

Following a tour as a combat systems instructor at Fleet Combat Training Center Pacific, he served as operations officer aboard USS Rentz (FFG 46), combat systems officer with Commander, Destroyer Squadron Thirteen and future operations officer with Commander, U.S. Third Fleet.

He next served as executive officer of USS Gary (FFG 51), then as operations officer of USS Essex (LHD 2), followed by tours as commanding officer of Navy Reserve Center Watertown, N.Y. and USS Frederick (LST 1184).

Smith then served as the targeting officer in the Intelligence Directorate and as Operational Net Assessment supervisor in the Standing Joint Force Headquarters at U.S. Pacific Command.

Smith served as the legislative advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve in the District of Columbia, and then served as roles and missions senior analyst on the staff of the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (with Combat Distinguishing Device), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (five awards), and Combat Action Ribbon.

The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Iwo Jima; the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk, Va.; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

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